Research Description

Dr. Courtlandís research background is highly interdisciplinary and includes research training in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, organic chemistry, anatomy, physiology, histology, genetics and biomechanics. This diverse background led him to the branch of science known as integrative physiology. Broadly speaking, integrative physiology deals with how the body responds to both external and internal stimuli. In terms of its practical applications, integrative physiology seeks to diagnose, prevent and treat disease through consideration of the interrelationship of different tissues, organs, and systems. Dr. Courtlandís particular research focus is on how endogenous systems and exogenous stimuli interact in the development and maintenance of musculoskeletal health and function.

Improving Surgical Outcomes and Failure Prediction of Total Joint Replacements

As science continues to work for improved understanding and prevention of debilitating joint conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and osteoporotic fractures, total joint replacement surgeries are a fundamental part of patient care. Although total joint replacements are highly effective surgeries, implant failure still occurs, resulting in significant financial, physical and emotional burden. Through collaboration with a variety of surgeons and researchers at the Hospital for Special Surgery Dr. Courtland is involved in several projects to identify novel mechanisms for enhancing bone-implant ingrowth and preventing implant loosening from native bone. In addition, Dr. Courtland is conducting a retrospective bioinformatics study on patients with adverse local tissue reactions (ALTRs) to total hip replacements in an effort to improve our understanding of the cellular and molecular events mediating implant failure.

Physical Activity in Bone Accrual and Prevention of Bone Loss During Aging

Age-related or osteoporotic fractures are devastating to the elderly population. They can lead to severe reductions in quality of life and death. Fractures in the elderly are unique in that they tend to occur at specific sites (the ends of long bones and the vertebrae). Currently it is unclear if these sites respond differently to systemic cues (such as growth hormones and growth factors) or mechanical forces (such as walking, lifting, and exercising). Dr. Courtlandís work is focused on understanding the mechanisms by which physical activity affects different skeletal sites, surfaces, and marrow cell populations at different ages (adults and the elderly). His work in this area seeks, through contributions to the fields of skeletal and exercise physiology, to foster research that will lead to more directed (e.g., age and site-specific) treatment regimens for individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.

One of the goals of Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology, and related disciplines for the benefit of patients. Research staff at HSS may collaborate with outside companies for education, research and medical advances. HSS supports this collaboration in order to foster medical breakthroughs; however, HSS also believes that these collaborations must be disclosed.

As part of the disclosure process, this website lists Research staff collaborations with outside companies if the Research staff member received any payment during the prior year or expects to receive any payment in the next year. The disclosures are based on information provided by the Research staff and other sources and are updated regularly. Current ownership interests and leadership positions are also listed. Further information may be available on individual company websites.

As of March 31, 2015, Dr. Courtland reported no financial interest relationships with healthcare industry.

By disclosing the collaborations of HSS Research staff with industry on this website, HSS and its Research staff make this information available to patients and the public, thus creating a transparent environment for those who are interested in this information. Further, HSSí Conflicts of Interest Policy does not permit payment of royalties on products developed by him/her that are used on patients at HSS.

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Contact Information

Office Locations

Caspary Research Building541 East 71st StreetNew York, NY 10021

Tel: 212.774.7355

Mailing Address

Hospital for Special Surgery 535 East 70th StreetNew York, New York 10021